So to start it off... I go for istana negara first...
HEAD OF STATE AND RULERS OF THE STATES
The office of the King is not hereditary. Malaysia practices a system of government based on Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy at two levels, Federal and State levels. At the Federal level the head of State is the King and the head of government is the Prime Minister. At the state level the head (Ruler) of State is either the Sultan, Raja, or Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri is the head of State where there are no Rulers: the Chief Ministers (Menteri Besar/Ketua Menteri) are the heads of government.
CONFERENCE OF RULERS
In accordance with the Malaysian Constitution, the power to elect and appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is vested with the Conference of Rulers. In the federation system of government (as practiced in Malaysia) where a number of state Rulers are involved, a council known as the Conference of Rulers, was instituted under Article 38 of the Federal Constitution to serve as a forum for the Rulers and Governors (Yang Dipertua Negeri) to meet and deliberate. On certain matters the Federal Constitution provides that the government seek advice from the Conference of Rulers.
GOVERNMENT’S ADVICE
The monarchy is seen as a symbol of power, authority, and government. It is embodiment of strength, protection and justice for the people and personifies their love and loyalty towards the country. In countries, which practice parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, the power of the people is conveyed through Parliament which in turn delegates its executive power to the Cabinet. In Malaysia, whatever action is taken by an authority is executed in the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who acts on the advice of the Government.
ELECTED BY:
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be elected by the Conference of Rulers for a term of five years, but may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Conference of Rulers or shall be removed from office by the Conference of Rulers, and shall cease to hold office on ceasing to be a Ruler.
TIMBALAN YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG
There shall be a Deputy Supreme Head of the Federation (to be called the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong) who shall exercise the functions and have the privileges of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during any vacancy in the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and during any period during which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is unable to exercise the functions of his office owing to illness, absence from the Federation or any other cause, but the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall not exercise these functions during any inability or absence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong which is expected to be less than fifteen days, unless the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to exercise such functions.
ROYAL AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE FOR THE PUBLIC
On being presented to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, you should stand straight with both feet together. Straighten both hands and pay your respects by bowing once and do not bow too low like the Japanese do. Then walk slowly towards His Majesty. The distance between yourself and His Majesty should be about two to three feet. Bow again. Muslims should say "Assalamualaikum Tuanku". Non-Muslims can say "Selamat Pagi Tuanku" or "Good Morning Your Majesty" for foreigners, whichever is applicable. Take about three steps backwards and bow again.
FEDERAL AWARDS AND HONOURS
The people of this country have long known of the Federal Awards. Johor is the first state to institute its own award on 31 July 1886. Then, the other Malay states followed in Johor’s footsteps. During the colonial days, the British government conferred awards on the people of the Federated Malay States in the form of honorary appointments and awards such as the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The British High Commissioner awarded the Malayan Certificate of Honour to the people of the Federated Malay States i.e. Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang up until l941.
PROPOSAL
As part of the preparations to celebrate the independence of Malaya in 1957, the Federal Work Council, formally known as the Federal Executive Council, proposed that Federal awards be instituted. As an independent sovereignty, Malaya must have its own awards to replace those conferred by the British government.
NATIONAL PALACE
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong. It was built in 1928 and was originally the residence of a millionaire, Mr. Chan Wing. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945, it was used as the Japanese Officers’ mess. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government and after being renovated, it became the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957.
The Federal Government then bought the palace in 1957, to be converted into the Istana Negara. Since then it had undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
This majestic building is nestled within a serene and beautiful 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. It is located at Syed Putra Road right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main halls, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the Audience Hall (Dewan Mengadap) on the ground floor.
The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London.
Please take note that the above information is copied from http://www.malaysianmonarchy.org.my/
A little bird told me on Chan Wing...
Chan Wing- arrived in Malaya in 1887 as a coolie- struck it rich with the opening of the Hong Fatt Tin Mine in Sungai Besi.He has in total 26 children with 9 wives .Chan Wing was a staunch believer in the teachings of Confucious and accordingly, the lifestyle of the time was that many Chinese men took a few wives because they wanted sons to carry on the family lineage.
When he first came with his family to KL from HongKong in 1918, they lived in a house on Weld Road, the present Jln Raja Chulan.Being a busines man, he even ventured into rubber plantations. He was attributed to be one of the founding members of the Kwong Yik Bank in 1913.
A good indication of his wealth and stature would be in 1922, his car was commandeered for use during the visit by the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VIII of England. Possession of a car was a rare feat during those days.
Weld Road house became too small for his growing family. He purchased a 13acres piece of land and engage well known architecks Swann & McLaren to design "the biggest house in Malaya" then .
1929- he moved into the "Big House" wih his family.2nd World War- the family fled to Cameron first, then subsequently fled to India where they waited out the war in Mussorie in India, till March 1946.He later passed away 1947, at the age of 74..........as narrated by Chan Wing's 8th child- daughter Chan King Nui
Someone also told me that Chan Wing's grave is still located behind the istana. So, every year during the Cheng Beng Festival the main gate will be opened to Chan Wing's generation to clean up his graveyard.
CONFERENCE OF RULERS
In accordance with the Malaysian Constitution, the power to elect and appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is vested with the Conference of Rulers. In the federation system of government (as practiced in Malaysia) where a number of state Rulers are involved, a council known as the Conference of Rulers, was instituted under Article 38 of the Federal Constitution to serve as a forum for the Rulers and Governors (Yang Dipertua Negeri) to meet and deliberate. On certain matters the Federal Constitution provides that the government seek advice from the Conference of Rulers.
GOVERNMENT’S ADVICE
The monarchy is seen as a symbol of power, authority, and government. It is embodiment of strength, protection and justice for the people and personifies their love and loyalty towards the country. In countries, which practice parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, the power of the people is conveyed through Parliament which in turn delegates its executive power to the Cabinet. In Malaysia, whatever action is taken by an authority is executed in the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who acts on the advice of the Government.
ELECTED BY:
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be elected by the Conference of Rulers for a term of five years, but may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Conference of Rulers or shall be removed from office by the Conference of Rulers, and shall cease to hold office on ceasing to be a Ruler.
TIMBALAN YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG
There shall be a Deputy Supreme Head of the Federation (to be called the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong) who shall exercise the functions and have the privileges of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during any vacancy in the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and during any period during which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is unable to exercise the functions of his office owing to illness, absence from the Federation or any other cause, but the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall not exercise these functions during any inability or absence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong which is expected to be less than fifteen days, unless the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to exercise such functions.
ROYAL AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE FOR THE PUBLIC
On being presented to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, you should stand straight with both feet together. Straighten both hands and pay your respects by bowing once and do not bow too low like the Japanese do. Then walk slowly towards His Majesty. The distance between yourself and His Majesty should be about two to three feet. Bow again. Muslims should say "Assalamualaikum Tuanku". Non-Muslims can say "Selamat Pagi Tuanku" or "Good Morning Your Majesty" for foreigners, whichever is applicable. Take about three steps backwards and bow again.
FEDERAL AWARDS AND HONOURS
The people of this country have long known of the Federal Awards. Johor is the first state to institute its own award on 31 July 1886. Then, the other Malay states followed in Johor’s footsteps. During the colonial days, the British government conferred awards on the people of the Federated Malay States in the form of honorary appointments and awards such as the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The British High Commissioner awarded the Malayan Certificate of Honour to the people of the Federated Malay States i.e. Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang up until l941.
PROPOSAL
As part of the preparations to celebrate the independence of Malaya in 1957, the Federal Work Council, formally known as the Federal Executive Council, proposed that Federal awards be instituted. As an independent sovereignty, Malaya must have its own awards to replace those conferred by the British government.
NATIONAL PALACE
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong. It was built in 1928 and was originally the residence of a millionaire, Mr. Chan Wing. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945, it was used as the Japanese Officers’ mess. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government and after being renovated, it became the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957.
The Federal Government then bought the palace in 1957, to be converted into the Istana Negara. Since then it had undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
This majestic building is nestled within a serene and beautiful 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. It is located at Syed Putra Road right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main halls, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the Audience Hall (Dewan Mengadap) on the ground floor.
The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London.
Please take note that the above information is copied from http://www.malaysianmonarchy.org.my/
A little bird told me on Chan Wing...
Chan Wing- arrived in Malaya in 1887 as a coolie- struck it rich with the opening of the Hong Fatt Tin Mine in Sungai Besi.He has in total 26 children with 9 wives .Chan Wing was a staunch believer in the teachings of Confucious and accordingly, the lifestyle of the time was that many Chinese men took a few wives because they wanted sons to carry on the family lineage.
When he first came with his family to KL from HongKong in 1918, they lived in a house on Weld Road, the present Jln Raja Chulan.Being a busines man, he even ventured into rubber plantations. He was attributed to be one of the founding members of the Kwong Yik Bank in 1913.
A good indication of his wealth and stature would be in 1922, his car was commandeered for use during the visit by the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VIII of England. Possession of a car was a rare feat during those days.
Weld Road house became too small for his growing family. He purchased a 13acres piece of land and engage well known architecks Swann & McLaren to design "the biggest house in Malaya" then .
1929- he moved into the "Big House" wih his family.2nd World War- the family fled to Cameron first, then subsequently fled to India where they waited out the war in Mussorie in India, till March 1946.He later passed away 1947, at the age of 74..........as narrated by Chan Wing's 8th child- daughter Chan King Nui
Someone also told me that Chan Wing's grave is still located behind the istana. So, every year during the Cheng Beng Festival the main gate will be opened to Chan Wing's generation to clean up his graveyard.
TO ADD SPICES TO YOUR COMMENTARY: Don't forget to mention about the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Azia Shah who married Tuanku Siti Aishah in 1990. This will definitely perks up the interest of the tourists.
Hope you have benefitted from this article...
N E W S The Star
NationThursday April 26, 2007
The Monarchy System
NationThursday April 26, 2007
The Monarchy System
THE office of the King is not hereditary. Malaysia practices a system of government based on Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy at two levels; Federal and State levels. At the Federal level, the head of State is the King and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
At the state level, the head (Ruler) of State is either the Sultan, Raja, or Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri is the head of State where there are no Rulers: the Chief Ministers (Mentri Besar/Ketua Mentri) are the heads of government.
The Conference of Rulers was formally instituted in 1948, as a result of the British design to replace the Council of Rulers of the Federated Malay States, which was first convened in Kuala Kangsar in 1897. Four Malay Rulers of the states of Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang were members of the Council which was chaired by the British High Commissioner.
The Conference of Rulers was formally instituted in 1948, as a result of the British design to replace the Council of Rulers of the Federated Malay States, which was first convened in Kuala Kangsar in 1897. Four Malay Rulers of the states of Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang were members of the Council which was chaired by the British High Commissioner.
The Conference of Rulers was convened for the first time on Aug 31, 1948, and held until Sept 1. The meeting then was for the first time attended by all the nine Malay Rulers.
Functions
The Conference of Rulers is the supreme institution in the country and unique because it is the only such institution in the world today. When the country achieved independence, the Conference of Rulers was constituted under Article 38 of the Federal Constitution.
In accordance with the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution it shall exercise its functions of:
AND may deliberate on questions of national policy (for example, changes in the immigration policy) and any other matter that it thinks fit;
In accordance with the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution it shall exercise its functions of:
AND may deliberate on questions of national policy (for example, changes in the immigration policy) and any other matter that it thinks fit;
WHEN the Conference of Rulers deliberates on matters of national policy, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be accompanied by the Prime Minister, and the other Rulers and Governors (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) by their Mentri Besar or Chief Ministers;
NO LAW directly affecting the privileges, position, honour or dignity of the Rulers shall be passed without the consent of the Conference of Rulers; and
THE Conference of Rulers shall be consulted before any change is made in administrative policy under Article 153 (with regard to the special position and privileges of the Malays and natives and the rights of other communities).
The members of the Conference of Rulers may act according to their discretion in any proceedings relating to the following functions:
Election of the King
Election of the King
Malaysia does not have an absolute monarchy although it has a King, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the Head of State. What is unique about the monarchical system in Malaysia is that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by the Conference of Rulers in accordance with the procedure spelt out in the Third Schedule of the Federal Constitution and the rules of the Conference of Rulers.
Qualification
ONLY one of the Rulers is qualified to be elected;
ONLY the Rulers are eligible to vote; and
AS IS the custom, the most senior Ruler is elected. This procedure is no longer adhered to since the Rulers of all States have had their turns to be elected.
The first round was completed with the election of the Sultan of Perak as the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Since then new list known as the Reconstituted List was drawn up based on the seniority of the States whose Rulers have been elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the First to the Ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong).
ONLY the Rulers are eligible to vote; and
AS IS the custom, the most senior Ruler is elected. This procedure is no longer adhered to since the Rulers of all States have had their turns to be elected.
The first round was completed with the election of the Sultan of Perak as the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Since then new list known as the Reconstituted List was drawn up based on the seniority of the States whose Rulers have been elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the First to the Ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong).
Not Eligible for Election
The Constitution provides that a Ruler is not eligible for election as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong unless:
THE Ruler is a minor;
THE Ruler has notified the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal that he does not wish to be elected, or;
THE Conference of Rulers by a secret ballot resolves that the Ruler is unsuitable by reason of infirmity of mind or body or for any other cause to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The resolution shall only be carried if at least five members of the Conference have voted in favour of it.
THE Ruler is a minor;
THE Ruler has notified the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal that he does not wish to be elected, or;
THE Conference of Rulers by a secret ballot resolves that the Ruler is unsuitable by reason of infirmity of mind or body or for any other cause to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The resolution shall only be carried if at least five members of the Conference have voted in favour of it.
Steps preceding an election
Application of consent for the date of the Election Meeting.
If vacancies occur in the offices of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, proceedings for the Election shall not be later than four weeks from the dates when the offices fall vacant.
The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal shall write to every Ruler enquiring whether he desires to be nominated to the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong respectively. The Rulers who do not wish to be elected shall so notify the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, and their States will then be placed last on the Nomination List.
Oath-taking: Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin taking his oath of office as the XIII King while other Malay Rulers and Heads of State look on during a ceremony at the Balairong Seri in Istana Negara last December. — Bernama Election proceedings
When the Conference of Rulers deliberates on the election of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Governors (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) will not be present even though they are members.
If vacancies occur in the offices of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, proceedings for the Election shall not be later than four weeks from the dates when the offices fall vacant.
The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal shall write to every Ruler enquiring whether he desires to be nominated to the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong respectively. The Rulers who do not wish to be elected shall so notify the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, and their States will then be placed last on the Nomination List.
Oath-taking: Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin taking his oath of office as the XIII King while other Malay Rulers and Heads of State look on during a ceremony at the Balairong Seri in Istana Negara last December. — Bernama Election proceedings
When the Conference of Rulers deliberates on the election of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Governors (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) will not be present even though they are members.
The election is carried out by a secret ballot. The ballot papers will be destroyed in the presence of the Rulers as soon as the result of the election result is announced. The ballot papers used are not numbered, but marked with the same pen and ink, and are inserted into the ballot box.
The most junior Ruler who is not listed as nominee for the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is appointed to count the ballot papers together with the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.
Only the Rulers, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal and the Assistant Secretary of the Conference of Rulers are involved in the election proceedings.
A Ruler may appoint another Ruler as his proxy to vote on his behalf in the event that he is unable to be present at the Election Meeting.
Election process
During the process of the election, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will distribute the ballot papers to the Rulers, and each Ruler will be requested to indicate (on the ballot paper) whether the most senior Ruler (one name only) is suitable/not suitable to be elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The nominee must have obtained the majority of five votes before the Ruler presiding over the Election Meeting offers the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to him. If the successful nominee declines the offer or the Ruler fails to secure the required majority votes, the voting process will be repeated with the nomination of the second most senior Ruler in the Seniority List of Rulers.
The process will only be completed after the Ruler has accepted the offer of the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Conference will then declare the Ruler as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who will hold office for a term of five years.
The process will only be completed after the Ruler has accepted the offer of the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Conference will then declare the Ruler as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who will hold office for a term of five years.
2 comments:
A little reminder... Please don't forget to advise your tourists to stand behind the yellow line drawn when snapping photo with the horse. Remember to advise them that the horses have bitten some tourists. Some tourists clothings were torn when the horses bit them.
At least there is something to remember while visiting Malaysia. Got bitten by a d King's horses.
Its only their clothings, as long as they dont bite else where, then i think it should be fine !
Post a Comment